In his job as Program Assistant at The Autism Society of Central Virginia, and as a self-advocate for the organization, Ian Young is well aware of the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities.  As a member of our Next Generation Council (NGC) for young professionals, he is determined to make a difference in the lives of those...

SOAR365 volunteer activities are key to supporting hundreds of clients with disabilities and connecting the community with our human services mission.  And one dedicated volunteer recently described an additional benefit of getting involved with SOAR365. “During the painting project on the Martin Luther King holiday, I worked with volunteers with...

SOAR365 Summer Camp Medical VolunteerNever underestimate the power of helping hands. That’s according to Daniel Blair, a Registered Nurse in Day and Respite Services, in describing Christian Ellis, RN, and her contributions at Camp Baker this past summer. “It is always a huge help having extra medical hands,” he said. Christian provided 40 hours of nursing...

SOAR365 Fall Case Management InternBrightpoint Community College student Crystina Covington grew up just down the road from SOAR365’s Camp Baker facility. So when the time came to decide on a location for her Human Services Internship, she didn’t have to think twice. “I have been aware of the services offered by SOAR365 for a majority of my life and I have...

SOAR365 Fall Respite & Day Services InternVCU senior Bonnie Smith is in the final stages of her undergraduate degree, pursuing a health sciences major and psychology minor. As a Richmond native, Bonnie has long been active in the local community, giving her time to a variety of organizations including CARITAS, Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warriors, and...

SOAR365 Adult Programs Gardening AssistantIf you were to ask Caitlin McBride how she first found out about volunteer opportunities with SOAR365, she might tell you that a little birdie showed her the way. To be exact, she was intrigued by our multi-colored crane logo as she drove by one day, and "when I researched the logo and read about SOAR365, I thought...

SOAR365 Adult Programs Support VolunteerFor many years, Mary Pasco has supported SOAR365 as a donor and advocate. As she considered options for deepening her relationship with the organization even further, volunteering seemed like the logical next step. "I took a tour of the Saunders facility in May and decided I'd like to assist in any way possible. I'm...

SOAR365 Children and Youth Programs Support VolunteerMeet Kelsey Madden, a senior at Mills E. Godwin High School. Kelsey's career ambitions began in elementary school when she encountered students with disabilities her own age. "They are some of the most important people in my life right now." Her passion led her to engage with a variety of organizations...

SOAR365 Case Management InternIf you are a regular CBS6 viewer, you probably saw a story at the end of October featuring our newest Case Management Intern, Taylor Thomas-Harris! Taylor, who graduated in May of this year from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, wanted to add a professional internship experience to her resume and...

SOAR365 Children and Youth Support VolunteerFor SOAR365, successful volunteer engagement begins with passion – passion for the important work we do in the community and passion for serving in ways that support our program participants in their efforts to reach their goals and live their best lives. For Children and Youth Program Support volunteer Kaeli...